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Category Archives: Skincare

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As we know, health and well-being isn’t just about nutrition. As a nutritional therapist, I am very aware that is in not only the food that we put into our body’s that effects its function, but also the chemicals we apply to our skin on a daily basis.

There are so many elements that contribute to how our bodies work, and one of these elements is external toxins. A substantial source of external toxins comes from what we apply to our skin. On a daily basis we wash with shower gels and soaps containing abrasive chemicals which dry out our skin and add to our body’s toxic load. We use deodorants with excessive chemicals that are known to affect hormone balance – Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs). We unknowingly moisturise our faces with creams containing mineral oils and toxic chemicals such as sulphates, parabens and phthalates.

Personally, I use more naturally tailored products where possible. Also from my experience of working in Hazel’s Health Food Shop I am familiar with so many good quality, low chemical products. Here, I will share with you some brands that rank top of my list, for both body-friendliness, but very importantly, their effectiveness. None of these companies test their products on animals and are environmentally contentious.

Moo Goo – Moo Goo is an Australian brand, and does not use any chemicals in its products. The company offers shampoos & conditioners, body washes, soaps, face cleaners, moisturisers, deodorants….everything! The products are perfect for sensitive skin, and their famous Irritable Skin Balm can sooth any skin condition and reduce itchiness and redness.

Trilogy – Trilogy in a brand from New Zealand, and all of it products are based on the amazing Rosehip Oil. For me, Trilogy is the original Rosehip Oil supplier, and when I first used rosehip oil many years ago, it was by Trilogy. The range has hugely expanded from anti-ageing serums to the cult Everything Balm, all of Trilogy’s products contain the liquid gold that is Rosehip Oil! I highly recommend this brand, the quality is very good, and the company’s ethos is inspiring!

The Handmade Soap Company – Made in the picturesque village of Slane, The Handmade Soap Company is an Irish brand to be proud of. They offer a wide range of liquid soaps, soap bars, body lotions and creams, bubble baths and candles. They have something for everyone with their combinations of fragrances – a personal favourite of mine is their Grapefruit and May Chang range

Voya – In wilds of the west coast of Ireland, Voya have established a famous seaweed bath in Strandhill in Co. Sligo. They have developed a range of seaweed skin products, to complement their famous seaweed baths. All of their products contain healing seaweed and they won’t irritate the most sensitive of skins. I am a huge fan of their shower gel and body lotion.

Faith in Nature – Faith in Nature produce a great range of shampoos and conditioners, body washes and soaps. They smell fabulous and are very effective, especially their shampoos. Their rosemary and lavender shampoo is particularly good, especially if you suffer from a product build up in your hair. I am a big fan!

Sukin – Sukin is another Australian Brand, offering a wide range of cosmetics from face cream, to hand lotions to shampoos and conditioners. This brand is also hugely ecological and they are carbon neutral. Their tagline – “Skincare that doesn’t cost the Earth”

Holos – Holos is an Irish company offering aromatherapy skincare. Each product line has a theme and corresponding aromatherapy combinations, giving the user the benefits of less chemicals and aromatherapy to lift their mood! They have ranges to suit young and mature skin, men, expectant mothers and babies

Kinvara – Kinvara is an Irish skincare company using Rosehip oil as its core ingredient. The three main products by Kinvara are a Rosehip serum, Day-cream and oil cleanser. The oil cleanser is incredibly popular and is particularly good at soothing combination to oily skin, and won’t irritate the most sensitive of skins.

Dr. Bronner – Dr. Bronner is a very popular US based skincare brand offering a wide range of products from soap bars to toothpaste to hand creams. Dr Bronner’s products are organic, using fair trade, and non GMO ingredients. They are a very environmentally conscientious company using minimal packaging. I love their soap bars, they contain more fat than most soap bars and do not leave your skin dry or tight, in fact your skin will feel very moisturised after using these soaps as they contain high levels of coconut and olive oils.